KANTURK’S Felicity Ward swept the board in the EI 110. Landing a comfortable one-two, Ward held a pillar to post lead with Jennifer Egan’s home-bred mare Egans Watermill Crest (24.0) to pip both stable mate Newmarket Sensation on 26.8 and Jim Tyrell with Gorsehill Jewel (27.3).

The winner, who as her name suggests is by Watermill Swatch out of the RID mare Egans Sea Dancer, carries an enviable record, and is yet to clock up a jumping error from her eight runs under rules.

“She’s not only easy but a very good mare,” confirmed Ward. “The track suited her well. They have done a lot of work here and looking ahead you can certainly see the potential. The ground held up well and we’ll definitely be back.”

Both the winner and the equally consistent Newmarket Sensation are aiming for the national championships next weekend, followed by Ballindenisk to complete the season. The remaining results went largely in dressage order, with just one elimination. That fell to Gavin Ryan who, having enjoyed a great round, jumped the wrong (and it has to be said the most obvious) fence at the last.

Co Wicklow producer Melanie Wrynn travelled the long distance to Hillcrest and was rewarded by a smart win in the competitive EI 100.

Riding the six-year-old former Goresbridge Go For Gold graduate Ardeo Castleconnor, Wrynn recorded one of only two sub 30 dressage marks (26.5) from the field of 26.

Looking smart in both jumping phases, and with nothing further to add, the pair completed in front of Michael Ryan with Clara Olala (31.0) and his wife Patricia aboard The Wingman on 31.3.

“I love my pony,” said Wrynn. “Carol Gee bought him at the sale, and we bought him from her soon after. He has a massive jump, but he’s a big horse and has needed the time – we think a lot of him.”

The CCI1* at Ballindenisk could be next on the agenda for this son of Sligo Candy Boy and – if not sold, will campaign a winter’s show jumping.

‘He’s a tonic’

Quite the most relived and delighted winner of the day was Caroline Lynch, who riding her own Deards Cruise d’Amour comprehensively landed the EI 90.

Only a four-year-old, the Cruising For Chics-sired gelding shone on the flat to score 24.3 and delivered a storming round in the country. The pair were returning to the fray after a less than happy run at Tattersalls recently.

“I blame myself entirely for our blip at Tatts, as he’s usually dynamite across the country,” Lynch explained.

Poignantly, the gelding is the first horse that Caroline bought following the passing of her father Tony nearly three years ago.

“Liam Lynskey rang me to say he had the perfect horse for me, and as soon as I saw him in the stable I knew he was right,” she recalled. “He’s a tonic for me and at home we call him Tony C.”

The national championships may be next on the cards for this smart sort, but Lynch is conscious of the fact he is only four, and may well decide to pass it by.

Chasing all the way, Jim Tyrell slotted into second with Anne Bannon’s home-bred Gorsehill Charmer from Bridget MacAuley aboard Elara Celeste.